Multiple Myeloma Market to Witness Substantial Growth -- Key Trends and Forecasts of Different Reports for the Next Decade
The multiple myeloma market is expected to grow in the upcoming years, owing to a rise in incident cases, label expansion and penetration of current therapies in earlier lines, high adoption of newer therapies, mainly CAR-T cell therapies and bispecific antibodies, a rich emerging pipeline, and an expected increase in investment in R&D activities.
LAS VEGAS, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of clonal plasma cells, which leads to organ dysfunction and, eventually, death. There were more than 33,000 symptomatic incident cases in the US in 2024, and these cases are expected to grow with a moderate CAGR in the forecast period 2025–2034.
The treatment landscape for multiple myeloma is rapidly evolving, particularly with the increasing use of monoclonal antibodies in newly diagnosed patients. DARZALEX has established a strong market position compared to its competitors. Many emerging therapies under evaluation are expected to complement DARZALEX rather than compete directly with it. Johnson & Johnson is actively exploring treatment sequences that combine DARZALEX with TECVAYLI, CARVYKTI, and TALVEY.
SARCLISA, a newly approved CD38 antibody for multiple myeloma, is gaining traction quickly. However, DARZALEX maintains a significant head start. Both drugs are competing in quadruplet regimens for transplant-eligible and ineligible patients, with competition intensifying, particularly among non-transplant-eligible individuals, supported by evidence primarily from studies involving transplant-eligible groups.
DARZALEX, from Johnson & Johnson, and EMPLICITI, from Bristol Myers Squibb and AbbVie, were both introduced in the same month. However, DARZALEX has outperformed EMPLICITI, achieving blockbuster status.
In 2024, the US multiple myeloma market was valued at USD 15 billion. Significant growth is anticipated by 2034, driven by rising incidence rates, expanded indications, earlier adoption of existing therapies, increasing use of innovative treatments—such as CAR-T cell therapies and anti-BCMA—pipeline advancements, and greater investment in research and development.
Discover more about the multiple myeloma market in detail @ Multiple Myeloma Market Report
DelveInsight has expertise in the oncology market, and an experienced team handles the oncology domain proficiently. DelveInsight has recently released a series of epidemiology-based market reports on multiple myeloma including CAR T-Cell Therapy for Multiple Myeloma, Refractory Multiple Myeloma, Relapsing Refractory Multiple Myeloma, and Triple-refractory Multiple Myeloma. These reports include a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034 segmented into 7MM [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan].
Additionally, the reports feature an examination of prominent companies working with their lead candidates in different stages of clinical development. Let's dive deep into the market assessment of these reports individually.
CAR T-Cell Therapy for Multiple Myeloma Market
CAR-T cell immunotherapy is emerging as a groundbreaking treatment for multiple myeloma, providing new hope for patients who have exhausted standard treatment options. Currently, only two CAR-T cell therapies are approved for multiple myeloma: ABECMA (idecabtagene vicleucel) from Bristol-Myers Squibb and CARVYKTI (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. Their approval underscores the potential of CAR-T therapy as a transformative option for multiple myeloma.
A major benefit of CAR-T therapies is their "one-and-done" approach, which requires just a single administration, unlike bispecific antibodies such as TECVAYLI and TALVEY, which require ongoing treatment. While current CAR-T treatments rely on a patient's own T cells (autologous), research is underway to develop allogeneic CAR-T cells sourced from healthy donors. Allogeneic CAR-T therapies could enable off-the-shelf treatments, improving accessibility and reducing costs.
The approval of CAR-T therapies has created new opportunities for companies developing treatments for advanced-stage multiple myeloma (fourth line and beyond). Key players such as Arcellx (Anito-cel), Novartis (PHE885), Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS-986393), CARsgen Therapeutics (Zevorcabtagene Autoleucel), and Galapagos (GLPG5301), among others, are advancing their CAR-T candidates at various stages of development.
Overall, the CAR-T cell therapy market for multiple myeloma is expected to expand significantly between 2024 and 2034, driven by its strong efficacy and potential for broader use. Collaboration among pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, along with ongoing innovation, is expected to fuel market growth. However, challenges such as manufacturing complexities and pricing may need to be addressed to fully realize its potential.
For a comprehensive view of the CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma market, check out the CAR T-Cell Therapy for Multiple Myeloma Market Assessment
Refractory Multiple Myeloma Market
Refractory multiple myeloma refers to a form of multiple myeloma in which the disease no longer responds to treatment or relapses shortly after initial therapy. Multiple myeloma is a hematologic cancer caused by the proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to bone damage, anemia, renal dysfunction, and immunodeficiency.
Refractory multiple myeloma typically occurs after patients have been treated with standard therapies such as proteasome inhibitors (PIs), immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), and monoclonal antibodies but fail to achieve a durable response. Patients with refractory multiple myeloma face a poor prognosis, with limited treatment options and shorter overall survival compared to newly diagnosed or relapsed cases. The complexity of refractory multiple myeloma stems from the disease's ability to develop resistance to multiple therapeutic classes, driving the need for novel treatment strategies.
Several therapies have been approved for treating refractory multiple myeloma, including monoclonal antibodies like DARZALEX (Johnson & Johnson) and SARCLISA (Sanofi), proteasome inhibitors like KYPROLIS (Amgen) and VELCADE (Takeda), and IMiDs like REVLIMID (Bristol Myers Squibb) and POMALYST (Bristol Myers Squibb).
The introduction of CAR-T therapies, such as ABECMA (Bristol Myers Squibb and bluebird bio) and CARVYKTI (Johnson & Johnson and Legend Biotech), has transformed the refractory multiple myeloma landscape by offering targeted, patient-specific treatments. Additionally, bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) like TECVAYLI (Johnson & Johnson) and ADCs like BLENREP (GlaxoSmithKline) have emerged as promising therapies for refractory multiple myeloma.
The refractory multiple myeloma market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing incidence rates, longer survival due to improved treatment options, and the rising number of patients progressing to refractory disease. The market is highly competitive, with major players including Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, Amgen, Sanofi, and Takeda vying for market share.
The growing adoption of CAR-T and BiTE therapies, combined with ongoing clinical trials investigating next-generation agents targeting BCMA, GPRC5D, and FcRH5, is expected to drive significant growth. However, high treatment costs, manufacturing complexity, and reimbursement challenges remain key barriers to widespread adoption. The introduction of novel modalities such as off-the-shelf CAR-T therapies and targeted ADCs is anticipated to further reshape the competitive landscape in the coming years.
Discover more about refractory multiple myeloma drugs in development @ Refractory Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trials
Relapsing Refractory Multiple Myeloma Market
Relapsing refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) refers to a stage of multiple myeloma where the disease either returns after a period of remission (relapse) or becomes resistant to existing therapies (refractory). RRMM poses a significant clinical challenge as patients often experience diminishing responses to successive lines of therapy, resulting in poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The high mutation rate and clonal evolution of myeloma cells contribute to treatment resistance, making RRMM a complex disease to manage.
The current market offers a wide array of therapeutic options for treatment, including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, HDAC inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, nuclear export inhibitors, and CAR-T cell therapy across various treatment stages. Disease-targeted treatments typically involve medications such as targeted therapies and/or chemotherapy, with or without steroids. Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation may also be considered. Additionally, radiation therapy and surgery are employed in specific cases.
Several promising drugs are in the pipeline, including Mezigdomide (Bristol Myers Squibb/Celgene), Linvoseltamab (Regeneron Pharmaceuticals), BGB-11417 (BeiGene), PHE885 (Novartis), Iberdomide (Bristol-Myers Squibb/Celgene), and CART-ddBCMA (Arcellx), among others.
The RRMM market is experiencing rapid growth driven by the increasing incidence of multiple myeloma, the need for more effective treatments for relapsed and refractory cases, and the introduction of novel mechanisms of action. Challenges such as high treatment costs, access to CAR-T therapies, and the development of resistance to current treatments are influencing market dynamics. However, the pipeline remains robust, with a focus on next-generation CAR-T therapies, bispecific antibodies, and targeted small molecules, indicating a competitive and evolving landscape.
To gain a deeper understanding of the RRMM market, be sure to explore the Relapsing Refractory Multiple Myeloma Market Outlook
Triple-refractory Multiple Myeloma Market
Triple-refractory multiple myeloma (TRMM) is a challenging form of the disease characterized by resistance to at least three different classes of therapies, including immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. Patients with TRMM often face poor prognoses and limited treatment options, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in understanding the disease's biology have led to innovative approaches, including targeted therapies and combination regimens.
The landscape of treatment for triple-refractory multiple myeloma is rapidly evolving, with a focus on innovative therapies that address the unique challenges posed by this aggressive disease. TRMM patients have exhausted standard treatment options, making them reliant on emerging therapies that target specific pathways involved in myeloma progression. The introduction of CAR-T therapies, such as idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) and ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), has shown promising results in clinical trials, offering hope for improved outcomes in this difficult-to-treat population.
Currently, several drugs have received approval for treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, including pomalidomide and selinexor, which are used in various combinations to enhance efficacy. Companies like Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Karyopharm Therapeutics are actively involved in developing new therapies for TRMM, focusing on novel agents such as BCMA-targeted treatments.
The market dynamics are shaped by the increasing prevalence of multiple myeloma, increasing demand for effective treatments, the high cost of novel therapies, and the ongoing need for clinical trials to validate new treatment regimens. As research continues, the focus remains on improving patient outcomes and quality of life through personalized treatment strategies.
Explore in-depth for a comprehensive understanding of the Triple-refractory Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trials
About DelveInsight
DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve.
Contact Us
Shruti Thakur info@delveinsight.com +14699457679
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/multiple-myeloma-market-to-witness-substantial-growth--key-trends-and-forecasts-of-different-reports-for-the-next-decade--delveinsight-302404042.html
SOURCE DelveInsight Business Research, LLP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Cyberway Product Innovation Platform: Empowering Enterprise Innovation Processes and Building Exceptional Product Strength
GUANGZHOU , June 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the fiercely competitive FMCG market, only efficient innovation can create a true competitive edge. As consumer preferences change rapidly and the market environment remains uncertain, how can companies precisely identify needs, execute efficiently, and continuously optimize their strategies? The Cyberway Product Innovation Platform empowers FMCG enterprises to achieve sustainable growth by providing powerful capabilities in pre-planning insight, in-process control, and post-launch analytics—ultimately enabling the development of exceptional product strength. Before: AI-Powered Foresight for Accurate Market Opportunity Detection AI Opportunity Discovery: Real-time industry data, user behavior, and competitor insights are captured to automatically identify blue ocean markets and unmet needs—fueling inspiration for new product planning. Accelerate Opportunity Capture: Shorten market research cycles and improve speed and accuracy of opportunity identification. AI-Driven Product Definition: Using opportunity and competitor analysis, combined with internal product knowledge bases, the system intelligently generates product concepts, optimizes configurations, and refines packaging and formulas. Agile Response: Ensure product design closely aligns with market needs and competition, allowing rapid focus on core value and improving product-market fit. End-to-End User Demand Management: A comprehensive demand management framework tracks records, statuses, and feedback, aggregating omnichannel voice of customer with AI to identify high-value & Accurate: By realizing and verifying demand in closed-loop cycles, continuously refine product performance, minimize resource waste, and pave the way for the next breakout product. During: Efficient Execution to Deliver Outstanding Products Scientific Project Management System: Integrates visual dashboards, all-in-one workbenches, and real-time notifications via Feishu, WeCom, and DingTalk for full project transparency and synchronized decision-making across teams. Core Value: Reduce communication overhead, improve collaboration efficiency, and prevent project delays. Standardized Project Workflow: Based on industry templates and task libraries, enabling tiered and structured project management tailored to channel requirements. Flexible Control: Guarantees high-quality delivery while allowing adaptive workflows, ensuring key tasks succeed the first time. Cross-Functional Online Collaboration: Integrates marketing, go-to-market, and product workflows to shorten timelines. Interlocked nodes require mutual confirmation to ensure stability and avoid cost waste. Key Feature: Enables synergistic cooperation across departments for performance greater than the sum of its parts. AI Marketing: Tracks competitor strategies and social trends in real time, dynamically generating targeted content and pricing strategies using internal knowledge. Efficient & Agile: Accelerates creative production and drives an integrated "strategy-content-pricing" engine for rapid market response. Online Knowledge Repository: A dedicated enterprise R&D knowledge base aggregating key data such as risk warnings, solutions, and technical documentation. Significant Boost: Empowers faster troubleshooting and prevents redundant errors in R&D. Comprehensive Quality Control System: Embeds IPD checkpoints and technical reviews to govern key milestones; incorporates risk management for prevention, monitoring, and post-analysis. Ultimate Goal: Ensure high-quality project delivery while minimizing potential risks. After: Data-Driven Innovation Strategy Optimization Project Review: Compare project baselines with actual execution to deeply analyze quality, timeline, and cost performance. Deeper Insights: Identify key factors that influence project success. Go-to-Market Tracking: Monitor GMV trends across e-commerce platforms, VOC on social media, and promotional campaign outcomes to pinpoint growth opportunities and risks, driving agile strategy iteration. Advanced Capabilities: Fuel product iteration and innovation, providing a core foundation for the next-generation breakout product. Data Asset Management: Leverages delivery data and gate review points to auto-update master product data, creating a unified view with field supplementation and relationship validation. Long-Term Value: Enables full-lifecycle product data management, enhancing both data quality and business utility. The Cyberway Product Innovation Collaboration Platform is a powerful enabler for FMCG enterprises to enhance product innovation with AI, reduce waste, shorten R&D cycles, and create market bestsellers. From ideation to launch and ongoing optimization, the platform empowers excellence at every stage—allowing businesses to stand out in an intensely competitive landscape. We look forward to partnering with more brands to explore new ways of innovation and co-create the next market blockbuster! Website: Email：Marketing@ View original content: SOURCE Cyberway Information Technology Co., Ltd. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Hong Kong Airlines Celebrates Inaugural Flight to Sydney
Offering Travellers More Direct Flight Options to Australia HONG KONG, June 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong Airlines' inaugural flight between Hong Kong and Sydney, Australia, departed yesterday, making it the second local airline to operate this route and providing greater travel options for business, leisure, and transit passengers. To mark this new milestone in its network expansion, Hong Kong Airlines held celebratory events at both Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Sydney Airport (SYD). Prior to departure, a launch ceremony was held at the boarding gate of the HKIA. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines; Mr Ian McGraw from the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong; Ms Carmen Tam and Ms Vivien Yuen from Tourism Australia; Ms Jennifer Tung from Destination New South Wales; and Mr Ricky Chong from Airport Authority Hong Kong. The guests interacted with passengers and presented them with bespoke souvenirs to commemorate the historic occasion. During the event, Hong Kong Airlines President Mr Jeff Sun stated: "As a full-service local carrier, the launch of our Sydney service marks a significant step in our transformation to an international airline. Sydney is not only a popular destination for leisure and business travel but also one of Australia's most vital economic hubs. The expansion of the bilateral traffic rights agreement allows us to offer more choice to travellers in both cities, strengthening the connection between them." He added, "While Hong Kong Airlines may be a younger brand in the mature Australian market, we are endeavouring in our commitment to providing quality service. We operate this route with our Airbus A330 aircraft, featuring comfortable business and economy class cabins, and strive to deliver a passenger-centric in-flight experience through attentive service and fine dining for our long-haul customers." Sydney Airport CEO Mr Scott Charlton said: "We're proud to welcome Hong Kong Airlines to Sydney as our 52nd airline partner with its strong reputation for service excellence, efficiency and value. This inaugural service comes on the back of the first expansion in bilateral air traffic rights between Australia and Hong Kong in 19 years and we thank the Albanese Federal Government for its role in enabling this important agreement, which reflects the strength of our longstanding cultural and economic ties." NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper, said: "Hong Kong is a priority international market for NSW, with incoming travellers contributing substantially to the NSW visitor economy. The Minns Labor Government has made it very clear; we want to grow our visitor economy and the best way to do this is by increasing airline capacity and unlocking new international markets for NSW. We've set our sights on increasing the state's aviation capacity by 8.5 million seats, and this new Hong Kong route will complement other new routes we're securing as we work towards landing this goal." Mr Wang Yu, Consul General of People's Republic of China (Sydney), said: "As the second Hong Kong-based airline to operate the Hong Kong–Sydney route, Hong Kong Airlines not only provides a convenient new option for traveling between China and Australia, but also contributes to enhanced exchanges among students, tourists, business professionals and friends from all walks of life. This new service will strengthen Hong Kong and Sydney's role as vital gateways for the flow of people and goods, injecting fresh momentum into the economic and cultural ties between China and Australia. Its launch will also attract more international travelers to transit through Hong Kong or Sydney, further strengthening both cities' positions as global aviation hubs and creating new opportunities for trade and investment. Looking ahead, the Consulate-General of China in Sydney will continue to encourage and support airlines from both China and Australia in restoring or launching new routes based on the principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. We believe that Hong Kong Airlines will continuously enhance its service quality and showcase a good corporate image." Also in attendance at the Sydney welcome ceremony were representatives from the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Destination NSW and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Sydney). Exclusive Lounge Access for Connecting Passengers To celebrate the launch of the new service, passengers travelling on this route and transit at Hong Kong for selected Hong Kong Airlines flights* to Vancouver, Bali, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Shanghai (Pudong), Haikou, or Sanya, between 20 June and 31 October 2025, will receive complimentary access to the airline's flagship lounge "Club Autus" at Hong Kong International Airport. *Please click here for the relevant terms and conditions. Expanding Route Network The launch of the Sydney service indicates Hong Kong Airlines' overarching strategy for its network expansion. Coupled with the various significant destinations that have been inaugurated or reinstated since the start of the year, including Gold Coast in Australia, Vancouver in Canada, and Hulunbuir in Inner Mongolia of mainland China, the airline has cultivated a more extensive and diversified route map. This further underscores Hong Kong Airlines' commitment and contribution to the aviation industry's recovery and long-term development. In addition to the new routes, the Company also increased the frequency of services on multiple routes to cater to the summer travel demand. This includes the resumption of seasonal flights to the Maldives and an increase in flights to Da Nang to two per day. Additionally, flights to Shanghai Pudong will be increased to four per day, while services to Hangzhou and Nanjing will become twice day. The variety of flight times available throughout the day provides business, leisure, and transit passengers with the flexibility to plan their itineraries. The Company will launch another new service in July, providing passengers with more travel options. Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule* between Hong Kong and Sydney is as follows (All times local): Route Flight Number Departure Arrival Frequency HKG – SYD HX017 22:25 09:50+1 Daily SYD – HKG HX018 11:30 19:10 * Flight number and schedule may change without prior notice Please download high-resolution photos through this link. About Hong Kong Airlines Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong. The airline flies to over 30 destinations across the Asia Pacific and North America, and currently maintains interline and codeshares with multiple airline partners and ferry service providers. Hong Kong Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet. It has been awarded the internationally acclaimed four-star rating from Skytrax since 2011. For more information, please visit or our social media channels on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hong Kong Airlines Inicia sesión para acceder a tu portafolio
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
Nurse practitioners are treating older adults as ranks of geriatricians shrink
On Fridays, Stephanie Johnson has a busy schedule, driving her navy-blue Jeep from one patient's home to the next, seeing eight in all. Pregnant with her second child, she schleps a backpack instead of a traditional black bag to carry a laptop and essential medical supplies — stethoscope, blood pressure cuff and pulse oximeter. Forget a lunch break. She often eats a sandwich or some nuts as she heads to her next patient visit. On a gloomy Friday in January, Johnson, a nurse practitioner who treats older adults, had a hospice consult with Ellen, a patient in her 90s in declining health. To protect Ellen's identity, KFF Health News is not using her last name. 'Hello. How are you feeling?' Johnson asked as she entered Ellen's bedroom and inquired about her pain. The blinds were drawn. Ellen was in a wheelchair, wearing a white sweater, gray sweatpants and fuzzy socks. A headband was tied around her white hair. As usual, the TV was playing loudly in the background. 'It's fine, except this cough I've had since junior high,' Ellen said. Ellen had been diagnosed with vascular dementia, peripheral vascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Last fall, doctors made the difficult decision to operate on her foot. Before the surgery, Ellen was always colorful, wearing purple, yellow, blue, pink, and chunky necklaces. She enjoyed talking with the half-dozen other residents at her adult family home in Washington state. She had a hearty appetite that brought her to the breakfast table early. But lately, her enthusiasm for meals and socializing had waned. Johnson got down to eye level with Ellen to examine her, assessing her joints and range of motion, checking her blood pressure, and listening to her heart and lungs. Carefully, Johnson removed the bandage to examine Ellen's toes. Her lower legs were red but cold to the touch, which indicated her condition wasn't improving. Ellen's two younger sisters had power of attorney for her and made it clear that, above all, they wanted her to be comfortable. Now, Johnson thought it was time to have that difficult conversation with them about Ellen's prognosis, recommending her for hospice. 'Our patient isn't just the older adult,' Johnson said. 'It's also often the family member or the person helping to manage them.' Nurse practitioners are having those conversations more and more as their patient base trends older. They are increasingly filling a gap that is expected to widen as the senior population explodes and the number of geriatricians declines. The Health Resources and Services Administration projects a 50% increase in demand for geriatricians from 2018 to 2030, when the entire baby boom generation will be older than 65. By then, hundreds of geriatricians are expected to retire or leave the specialty, reducing their number to fewer than 7,600, with relatively few young doctors joining the field. That means many older adults will be relying on other primary care physicians, who already can't keep up with demand, and nurse practitioners, whose ranks are booming. The number of nurse practitioners specializing in geriatrics has more than tripled since 2010, increasing the availability of care to the current population of seniors, a recent study in JAMA Network Open found. According to a 2024 survey, of the roughly 431,000 licensed nurse practitioners, 15% are, like Johnson, certified to treat older adults. Johnson and her husband, Dustin, operate an NP-led private practice in greater Seattle, Washington, a state where she can practice independently. She and her team, which includes five additional nurse practitioners, each try to see about 10 patients a day, visiting each one every five to six weeks. Visits typically last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the case. 'There are so many housebound older adults, and we're barely reaching them,' Johnson said. 'For those still in their private homes, there's such a huge need.' Laura Wagner, a professor of nursing and community health systems at the University of California-San Francisco, stressed that nurse practitioners are not trying to replace doctors; they're trying to meet patients' needs, wherever they may be. 'One of the things I'm most proud of is the role of nurse practitioners,' she said. 'We step into places where other providers may not, and geriatrics is a prime example of that.' Practice limits Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced training that enables them to diagnose diseases, analyze diagnostic tests, and prescribe medicine. Their growth has bolstered primary care, and, like doctors, they can specialize in particular branches of medicine. Johnson, for example, has advanced training in gerontology. 'If we have a geriatrician shortage, then hiring more nurse practitioners trained in geriatrics is an ideal solution,' Wagner said, 'but there are a lot of barriers in place.' In 27 states and Washington, D.C., nurse practitioners can practice independently. But in the rest of the country, they need to have a collaborative agreement with or be under the supervision of another health care provider to provide care to older adults. Medicare generally reimburses for nurse practitioner services at 85% of the amount it pays physicians. Last year, in more than 40 states, the American Medical Association and its partners lobbied against what they see as 'scope creep' in the expanded roles of nurse practitioners and other health workers. The AMA points out that doctors must have more schooling and significantly more clinical experience than nurse practitioners. While the AMA says physician-led teams keep costs lower, a study published in 2020 in Health Services Research found similar patient outcomes and lower costs for nurse practitioner patients. Other studies, including one published in 2023 in the journal Medical Care Research and Review, have found health care models including nurse practitioners had better outcomes for patients with multiple chronic conditions than teams without an NP. Five states have granted NPs full practice authority since 2021, with Utah the most recent state to remove physician supervision requirements, in 2023. In March, however, Mississippi House Bill 849, which would have increased NP independence, failed. Meanwhile, 30 Texas physicians rallied to tamp down full-scope efforts in Austin. 'I would fully disagree that we're invading their scope of practice and shouldn't have full scope of our own,' Johnson said. She has worked under the supervision of physicians in Pennsylvania and Washington state but started seeing patients at her own practice in 2021. Like many nurse practitioners, she sees her patients in their homes. The first thing she does when she gets a new patient is manage their prescriptions, getting rid of unnecessary medications, especially those with harsh side effects. She works with the patient and a family member who often has power of attorney. She keeps them informed of subtle changes, such as whether a person was verbal and eating and whether their medical conditions have changed. While there is some overlap in expertise between geriatricians and nurse practitioners, there are areas where nurses typically excel, said Elizabeth White, an assistant professor of health services, policy, and practice at Brown University. 'We tend to be a little stronger in care coordination, family and patient education, and integrating care and social and medical needs. That's very much in the nursing domain,' she said. That care coordination will become even more critical as the U.S. ages. Today, about 18% of the U.S. population is 65 or over. In the next 30 years, the share of seniors is expected to reach 23%, as medical and technological advances enable people to live longer. Patient and family In an office next to Ellen's bedroom, Johnson called Ellen's younger sister Margaret Watt to recommend that Ellen enter hospice care. Johnson told her that Ellen had developed pneumonia and her body wasn't coping. Watt appreciated that Johnson had kept the family apprised of Ellen's condition for several years, saying she was a good communicator. 'She was accurate,' Watt said. 'What she said would happen, happened.' A month after the consult, Ellen died peacefully in her sleep. 'I do feel sadness,' Johnson said, 'but there's also a sense of relief that I've been with her through her suffering to try to alleviate it, and I've helped her meet her and her family's priorities in that time.' Jariel Arvin is a reporter with the Investigative Reporting Program at the University of California-Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. He reported this article through a grant from The SCAN Foundation. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.
